if there’s insurance on the house, the barn, and the land. Routine in any fire. The owner’s always suspect number one.”
“I get it. I can’t picture old Ben burning down his own property. Before his wife took ill, he put so much pride and hard work into his place. It’s a real shame.”
Brody perched on the corner of Rafe’s desk, knee bent. “Greg never wanted the farm. He prefers living in the city. Says he loves the excitement of the hustle and bustle of all the people, the energy. Personally, I don’t see the appeal. Feel like I can’t breathe when I’m away from Shiloh Springs for too long. I can handle a few days, maybe a bit longer, but then I start feeling claustrophobic. Give me a small town any day.”
“Me, too.”
“Anyway, thanks for the coffee. I need to hit the road. I told the laboratory I’d have the collected evidence to them first thing. Then I’m meeting Antonio for lunch. He’s in Austin for the rest of the week. Apparently, Derrick Williamson’s got another special case he wants Antonio’s help with.”
Rafe moved around Brody, kneeling down to open the safe situated in the corner of his office. There was a big evidence room at the very back of the sheriff’s station, where most evidence collected from criminal investigations was held, but this larger safe was used for items which needed special handling. Chain of custody was crucial when prosecuting, especially in cases where special circumstances could be mucked up with contamination, and having a locked safe with no outside access kept things on the up-and-up.
“Everything’s exactly as you left it last night. Seal’s unbroken.” Rafe lifted the large sealed cardboard container from the safe and set it on his desk.
The night before Brody had processed, labeled, documented, and logged every single item he’d picked up at the Summers’ barn. Some of them were trickier than others and required specific packaging for transport. Documentation was key in any investigation in providing vital clues, which might be overlooked with sloppy paperwork and poor collection of evidence. This morning, he’d printed out all the photos he’d taken inside and out of the Summers’ barn, and made a copy of the digital video of the scene. Now it was a matter of getting it all to Austin, where people with more specialized skill sets than his would either confirm or deny his suspicions.
“Great.”
“Just sign here,” Rafe passed across a receipt of evidence form, and Brody signed and initialed all the appropriate places and handed it back. “I think that takes care of everything. You need anything else?”
Brody shook his head and picked up the box. “Nope, I’m good. I’ll give you a call later.”
“Tell Antonio Momma’s expecting him home this weekend. She’s planning a big celebration.”
Brody chuckled and walked toward the office’s open doorway. “I’ll tell him, although he mentioned he’d be back for the weekend. Don’t think he can stand being away from Serena much longer. It’s almost sickening watching those two lovebirds all cozied up. Almost as bad as watching you and Tessa.”
He ducked the wadded-up paper Rafe tossed at him. “You’re jealous because you haven’t got somebody special.”
Brody froze at his words for the slightest second, because they scored a direct hit. As much as he wanted Beth, he didn’t have her—and probably never would.
“Nope, I’m still footloose and free, while you’re about to be leg-shackled for the rest of your life. You ready to take that big step, bro?”
“Honestly? I can’t wait to make Tessa my wife. Never believed I could feel so much for one woman. I wouldn’t change a thing, because she’s everything. Everything.”
“You know I’m kidding, right? Tessa is the best thing that’s happened to you. I haven’t seen you this happy ever. If I believed in soulmates, I’d say you’ve found yours. Nobody deserves happiness more than you, bro. Grab it with both hands and hold on tight.”
Rafe strode forward and clasped Brody’s shoulder, squeezing gently. “You’ll find the same someday soon. The right woman’s out there, and when you meet her, you’ll know.”
Brody’s thoughts show immediately to Beth. Then he remembered what his father had said to him in the barn. That he should take a chance with her, see where it might lead. Maybe now would be a good time to ask Rafe how he’d feel about him dating Beth.
Before he could say a word, Rafe’s cell phone rang. Glancing at the number, Rafe grimaced. “Looks like kids have been out at